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iMotorhome mag
azin
e
because getting there is half the fun...
Issue 35 : OctOber 19 2013
Putting Talvor’s Adventure Camper through its paces...
Travelling Newbies!First time motorhomers hit the road...
Plains Sailing...Set a course for this great Australian zoo!
Road toAdventureWin!$50 Caltex
Fuel Card!
Paradise Motor Homes www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email [email protected] Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs, patents and copyrights ™ © 2013
Australia’s Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australia’s best quality motorhome
• Outstanding value for money, competitively priced from $158,000.
• Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection, auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems.
• Industry’s longest & most comprehensive motorhome warranty.
• Built for Australian conditions.
• Models available with or without slide-outs.• Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior. • Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacity.• Outstanding road handling & ride comfort.• Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes. • Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet & shower. • Market leading layouts & lifestyle features.• Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space. • Proven reliability of Paradise’s patented slide-outs.
Relax in Paradise
John Denver wrote, “Some days are diamonds, some days are stone.” We all
have them and recently I had cause to think about them as I was riding my bike. Cycling is my escape: It’s my stress relief, my ‘other’ passion and I find it enormously satisfying. But not all the time. Some rides are diamonds, some rides are stone...
I try to ride three or four days a week when I’m home and on the Southern Highlands of NSW that’s a challenge. I also ride year ‘round, which takes in everything from the bone chilling winter cold to spring’s relentless westerlies and the
baking hot days of summer. I also ride in the rain and I used to regularly ride on frosty pre-dawn winter mornings, to fit my cycling ‘fix’ in with a regular office job 80 km away.
I’m not telling you any of this to boast, it’s my choice and I do it willingly – well, most days – rather, I’m setting the scene for the days of diamond and days of stone.
A week or two back I was riding ‘my regular’ one afternoon and it was a ride of pure diamond. The day was rare for spring: not a breath of wind, warm and the sky was cloudless and the brightest of blues. Cattle grazed
contentedly in fields of emerald green, newborn lambs frolicked and I wouldn’t have been at all surprised if an orchestra had struck up and I’d found myself in the middle of a Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Oklahoma would have been most appropriate, I believe.
The ride also reminded me how rare gems are and how much stone you have to go through to find them.
Yesterday, the wind here gusted in excess of 100 km/h. A huge fire raged though the bush to the northeast, closing the Hume Highway, and I watched its ominous pall of smoke from the comfort
On my mind
awrvworld.com.au
5 Melrose Dr, Wodonga 3690 Ph: 02 6024 4222 Follow us on Facebook
View today the new Sunliner Twist Limited Edition
Continued...
TREASURE THE GEMS...
Paradise Motor Homes www.paradisemotorhomes.com.au 245 Brisbane Road, Biggera Waters, Queensland, 4216ph (07) 5597 4400 - email [email protected] Paradise Motor Homes products are protected by registered designs, patents and copyrights ™ © 2013
Australia’s Best Quality Motorhomes
Enjoy the prestige of owning Australia’s best quality motorhome
• Outstanding value for money, competitively priced from $158,000.
• Unrivalled Safety including rollover protection, auto-locking cabinetry and superior appliance mounting systems.
• Industry’s longest & most comprehensive motorhome warranty.
• Built for Australian conditions.
• Models available with or without slide-outs.• Superior finish with stylish new contoured exterior. • Patented moulded bins for maximum storage capacity.• Outstanding road handling & ride comfort.• Genuine island queen beds and huge wardrobes. • Spacious rear ensuites with separate toilet & shower. • Market leading layouts & lifestyle features.• Full living area slide-outs providing superior living space. • Proven reliability of Paradise’s patented slide-outs.
Relax in Paradise 3
Richard RobertsonPublisher & Managing Editor
Malcolm StreetConsulting Editor
Agnes Nielsen-ConnollyDesign & Production Manager
©2013 iMotorhome. All rights reserved. Published by iMotorhome. ABN 34 142 547 719. PO Box 1738, Bowral. NSW. 2576. Contact us on 0414 604 368 or Email: [email protected]
and safety of my home office window. But many others weren’t so fortunate. Across NSW, hundreds of homes burned and peoples’ lives and many communities were devastated, while at least one man died. A stone day, indeed.
As I age I have come to realise we really only have two things: the moment we’re in and our memories.
Hopefully, most of us have more gems tucked away in our minds than stone. I’ve also found that with a little bit of polishing – using the grit of time – some of the stone can also become gems worth treasuring.
All of which got me wondering how you collect your gems? Riding isn’t my only source, but it got me thinking about
the subject. What do you do to ‘get away?’ Do you have a hobby, activity or special place that takes your mind to another place? Perhaps you’d like to share it with your fellow readers? Perhaps it will inspire and perhaps it will help others appreciate and treasure those gems that now might seem just a little dull.
Richard
A long-time freelance RV, motoring and travel writer, Richard is a dedicated, long-term motorhome enthusiast.
He has held senior editorial positions with some of the best know recreational vehicle magazines in Australia. Richard also has a passion for lifestyle-enhancing technology, which is why he is the driving force behind the new iMotorhome eMagazine.
Unquestionably Australia and New Zealand’s best known RV journalist, Malcolm is a fixture at CMCA rallies and RV shows and is now in his second decade as a specialist RV writer.
If it’s available on either side of the Tasman, Malcolm has probably driven it, slept in it, reported on it, knows how it’s made and can tell you just how good it really is.
Agnes is an experienced and talented graphic designer with extensive experience across a wide range of disciplines, including travel and advertising.
Designing and producing iMotorhome issues since June 2012, Agnes does much of the behind-the scenes work to ensure every issue looks great and is easy to read.
...Continued
On my mind...On my mind
The iMotorhome Team
4
Richard
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INSIDE INSIDE
10NEWSWhat’s happening in the RV world
14 TESTEDAdventure Calling – Richard tests a used Talvor Adventure Camper
25 CLASSIFIEDSThis week’s featured iMotorhome Classifieds
3Of diamonds and stone...ON MY MIND
7Have your say for a chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!
ON YOUR MIND
COOK-UP
SHOW CALENDAR
58
60More from the Jess’ on-road kitchen...
What’s coming up, plus our show calendar
TRAVEL34Plains Sailing – Set a course for a great zoo adventure
FEATURE50Malcolm heads bush to sample Trakka's 4X4 range
27 FEATUREShow Ponies – Mercedes factory campers
TRAVEL44Travelling Newbies – On the the road with first time motorhomers
6
On your mind
Adventure Calling – Richard tests a used Talvor Adventure Camper
This week’s featured iMotorhome Classifieds
Have your say for a chance to win a $50 Caltex fuel card!
More from the Jess’ on-road kitchen...
What’s coming up, plus our show calendar
Plains Sailing – Set a course for a great zoo adventure
Malcolm heads bush to sample Trakka's 4X4 range
FEATUREShow Ponies – Mercedes factory campers
Although, I can't afford to buy one myself, I still like to look at the flash new motorhomes that we see at the CMCA Rallies. But I always come away with the feeling that, whoever has designed them, they have not lived in a motorhome for very long and have not thought too much about who their potential customer base is.
Here is just one example – picture this! Here is a brand new motorhome, it costs anywhere from $125,000 to $250,000. It looks beautiful from the outside and on the inside it features every modern convenience, including a comfortable, made to order, double inner spring bed over the vehicle roof. BUT – what has the manufacturer provided as a means to getting into this bed? For our MANY thousands of dollars we would get a flimsy, $20, lightweight aluminium vertical ladder! Was the motorhome designer a nimble teenager or even a
more mature 35 year old? It seems that he/she was certainly not typical of a person who would be more than likely a potential owner, i.e. a more elderly person of say 60-65 years. You know – like the ones we see on the roads all the time, the ones who have just retired with a big swag of money burning a hole in their pocket.
I would love to hear more from our motorhome designers regarding their design criteria and their design decisions, and also more from the manufacturers as to who they see as their customer base. Are there any ladder designers out there reading this who could also contribute to the discussion?
Regards, Barry via email
Thanks for your email and thoughts on ladders, Barry, it's a very valid point. I'll put it to everyone next issue and see what sort of response we get! I have to say that of all the motorhome manufacturers I know personally, few regularly travel and stay in their vehicles. For most it is just a business and they rely on customer feedback and "what everyone else is doing" to a very large extent. Let's see what sort of feedback we get. Until then, for raising this point I’m sending you this Issue’s $50 Caltex fuel card. Even if you can’t afford a shiny new motorhome it might buy you a more sturdy ladder!
It’s only fitting that since Ed has his say in On My Mind, you should be able to have yours too. If you have anything to say – or ask – just drop a line to [email protected] and we’ll share it with
our readers. We’ll also reward the most interesting, useful or thoughtful letter each issue with a $50 Caltex fuel card to help you on your way.
Travelling Newbies – On the the road with first time motorhomers
7
On your mind
Hi Richard, it’s about time I told the story of John’s glasses. We left home with not one pair of reading glasses, not two, but three pairs. He meant to bring just one pair and was also supposed to bring a spare set of distance glasses. So John was well provided for if he wanted to read the paper or
be on the computer, but for the rest of the day he needed his long distance glasses.
Over the years his glasses have been left behind many times. On our cruise to Alaska we had used an internet café to send emails and were back at the ship when John realised his
glasses were left in the town. Back he goes on the bus and returns, glasses safe and intact. In fact many a time we have had to retrace our steps to look for glasses that have been left in cafes!
On our latest trip we were about two days out when
Hi Richard (Mr iMotorhome), Firstly let me tell you how much I look forward to fortnightly emails advising of the latest edition of iMotorhome magazine, which I devour from cover to cover. What a great and informative publication.
Now I need your help. My wife and I are on the eve of retirement and like many Australians are planning to buy a motorhome and join the grey nomad brigade. Our choice has been narrowed down to the Jayco Optimum range and there are only 2 models to chose from, the 27 foot and the 28 foot, the difference between the 2 models apart from the small difference in length is the front end, Fiat or Iveco.
We prefer the 27 footer (model 26.2) but our concern is the Fiat, it has some good points over the Iveco but it does have a drawback. We like the Fiat for the following reasons: Tandem
rear wheels and wider wheel base for stability, but don't like the fact that it is front wheel drive and I have heard some horror stories with people unable to get out their parking area due to wet and slippery ground. On the other hand the Iveco is rear wheel drive, but as a drawback has dual rear wheels and a narrower wheel base. As for any other differences in these 2 models it boils down to nothing too significant.
It appears that the Fiat is a purpose built power unit for motorhomes as most motorhome manufacturers both here & in Europe are using them.
This is where you come in, I was hoping that you may be able to give me some feedback on your experiences with both of the Jayco models mentioned as far as finish and features and in particular your take on the Fiat versus the Iveco, I was
also curious if you could request feedback both negative and positive from your broad reader / subscription base by way of a 'personal experience feedback' section, this may help other readers in making purchasing decisions, and also help other readers that maybe having issues with their motorhomes understand that they may not be alone when it comes to certain problems.
I hope you can help with my request! Cheers from a loyal and devoted reader, keep up the great work.
Cheers, Doug via email.
Thanks for your kind words Doug, glad you’re so happy with what we’re doing! As you know I have already answered your questions in detail, but look forward to hearing comments from our readers, particularly those with first hand experience of the models in question.
Continued...
8
we were again looking for the elusive set of frames. We discovered them in the cabin of the truck, hidden under a shelf on the floor. A few days later we had returned to the caravan park after buying some groceries and fuel, plugged into power, connected up the water, set up the television and took out the kettle and computer, etc. About an hour later John couldn’t find his glasses. We spent a good half hour searching and then thought maybe he had left them back at the garage. It was too far to walk so we unhooked everything and packed up, drove in to town, but no luck. It was dark by this time, so back we go to the park, hook up to the power and water again, etc, and the search continued.
Lo and behold, we found then in an overhead cupboard, safe and sound, right where John had left them!
Another couple of times they went missing they were just hiding from us for a short time, so no real drama. We stopped for a photo shoot at a beach and walked along a path down around some rocks. The path was wet, with small waves breaking over them and when we got back in the car, well, what do you know? Those glasses were missing again. I checked a photo of John I had taken, there were the glasses in his hand. Out of the car once more and the search began on the path down to the sea. There they were, waiting patiently for us.
Two weeks from home; after a four months on the road, he lost his glasses at the Twelve Apostles lookout, never to be seen again. I hope the spare pair of glasses tucked up in their case at home are regretting not coming on the trip, they would have had so much fun!
Pam via email.
Thanks Pam, what an adventure. The moral of the story? I’m not sure, but maybe a neck chain or a designated ‘safe place’ for John’s elusive glasses. If any readers have had similar experiences and have devised a cunning plan to overcome the problem, we’d love to hear from you!
On your mind
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On The Road Wirraway 260SL Slideout Motorhome - 2012 © Rex Willmer
Continued...
Continued...9
Y DUNGOG DOES GOOD! ZY HERE COMES THE (LITTLE) SUN Z
Looking for a portable solar powered light and want to help make the world a
‘brighter’ place? Then the Little Sun lamp might be just the ticket. Developed as a means to bring low cost lighting to millions of people who live ‘off-grid’ in Third World countries, the Little Sun project was launched in 2012 and now has global distribution.
The project was launched at London’s Tate Modern art gallery and the distinctive shape of the lamps – like hand-sized little suns – was the result of design work by artist Olafur Eliasson and engineer Frederik Ottesen. A social business produces the lamps and it has established sustainable trade routes that provide profit for distributors,
thereby ensuring the lamps make it to their target market.
The lights are made of highly weather resistant plastic and are 12 cm in diameter, 3.2 cm thick and weigh 120 grams. A 60 x 60 mm solar panel charges 3 AAA batteries (life span 3 years) and 5 hours of sunlight exposure is reportedly good for an evening’s illumination.
In Australia you can buy them, fittingly, from the Queensland Gallery of Modern Art, in Brisbane, or the MCA Australia in Sydney. Residents of the EU and US can buy them online. To find out more and perhaps help more disadvantaged people around the World ‘see the light,’ visit www.littlesun.com
News 10
Y DUNGOG DOES GOOD! ZY HERE COMES THE (LITTLE) SUN Z
Camping fees at Wharf Reserve, Clarence Town, NSW, have been reduced
from $20 to $15 per night. This follows feedback from Hunter Coastal Wanderers, which is also associated with the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia, about the fees charged at Wharf and Bridge reserves (both under council’s control) at $20 per night.
Dungog Shire Council’s Economic Development and Tourism Coordinator Ivan Skaines said in his report to Council both these reserves were Crown land. However, the day-to-day management of the areas was vested with Dungog Shire Council and council paid for toilet cleaning, road maintenance, garbage collection and other maintenance.
“Prices charged at council-run facilities are usually reviewed
annually and the $20 fee for unpowered sites for 2013-14 at these two locations were set by Dungog Shire Council in June this year,” Mr Skaines said.
“Previously, the fees charged for those two camping areas had remained unchanged for at least two years at $15 per night for unpowered sites. To date we have made no distinction between the cost of camping at these two places, although there are only basic facilities at Wharf Reserve (toilets and a boat ramp), whereas additional facilities such as showers, a coin-operated laundry and after hours security gate are available at Bridge Reserve. Also, discounts have been offered for larger groups staying at Bridge Reserve in the past, but these have not been consistent over time and have never been formally approved by council,” he said.
“In terms of our camping ‘competitors’ in the local area, Lostock Dam Caravan Park in the Paterson Valley offers unpowered sites from $20 per night and the price for unpowered sites at Ferndale Park, near Chichester Dam, is $11 per adult per night. The Gresford Showground Trust charges $12 per night for unpowered sites at the campground at East Gresford.
“The amount of income collected from Wharf Reserve each year is relatively minor, so a reduction in fees charged at this area will have limited impact on council funds. Since the incentive for larger groups to the formalisation of an existing arrangement, this will not result in any decrease in revenue but will provide consistency and transparency in charging.”
“However, by publicising the discount online and via other promotional channels, it is likely that more large groups will be attracted to stay, especially at Bridge Reserve,” he said.
In determining the reduction of fees at its recent public meeting, council also set a discount fee of $3 per night for groups with more than 10 caravans or tents.
News 11
f SPIRIT OF PROFITABILITY? f Y INDIAN TAKEAWAY? Z
From the Free Choice Camping Facebook page. I bet you are wondering
what this headline has to do with Freedom Of Choice?
Well, nothing really, but at the same time, everything. Tasmania took a big hit when they introduced "competitive neutrality" into their freedom camping and in the first twelve months 16,000 less vehicle crossed the straight and now we see in this article that 9000 less
vehicles and 28 000 less passengers than the previous year were carried. The profit came mainly from carrying containers and it is good to see the Spirit running at a profit.
But this beggars the obvious question; how much does each one of these containers spend in Tassie once they get there? How much are the 25,000 vehicles and occupants NOT spending. Just four caravan parks complained on this "competitive neutrality" basis and
look what it is doing to the whole State economy.
One would think that any smart politician with two years of proof in the figures would take action to regain Tasmania's credibility as a destination of desire.
Oh well, Tassie’s loss is somebody else's gain and with NSW and Qld both conducting inquiries into drive tourism I guess we will see where the dollars are spent in the future, presuming of course that the politicians in those states are smart enough to want to provide what the RV tourist wants to attract them.
To read the full article click on this link.
News
Slide On Campers
Trailblazers Slide On Campers are Australian designed and built for our conditions. With all the features of a luxury motorhome, a slide on can be easily removed to free up your vehicle. Touring holidays, fishing trips with the tinny behind and 4WD adventures in the outback are more fun with a versatile, manoeuvrable slide on, they even make great demountable site offices. With a range of models to choose from,
all campers are built to order to enable you to choose from a range of features and options including appliances, interior finishes and fabrics.
222 Governor RoadBraeside VIC 3195Ph: 03 9588 0077
Buy Factory Direct and SAVE
New aerodynamic shapeImproved fuel efficiency
Café dining optionQueen bed and robes L shape kitchen option Hideaway bathroom option Shower & toilet combo Full bathroom option
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Subscription, advertising & editorial enquiries Ph 02 9695 7749 or [email protected]
Issue 01 February 2013 1
Let the good times roll
La Dolce VitaRestoRing a classic 1969 Viscount
01 | February 2013
timetoroam.com.au
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Caravan, Camper + rv reviews | Camping with JaCk thompson | snakes + pets
Australia’s most accessible Caravan/RV & Travel magazine. 20,000 copies per issue – estimated readership = 45,000 & growing.
Available nationally at over 600 outlets including Caravan/Holiday parks & Visitor Information centres.
‘Delivered to the places where people have time to relax and read’. Also available at Caravan & RV Dealerships & Accessory stores.
PLUS the ‘live’ eMagazine read by over 3,000 per issue. Visit www.timetoroam.com.au for the current and recent editions.
12
Y INDIAN TAKEAWAY? Z
India’s burgeoning auto industry has aspirations beyond just cars for the
masses. This is the PCP Terra Home Car, a homegrown Indian C-class motorhome based on a Mahindra Genio cab-chassis, and perhaps a taste of India we
might get to sample one day in Australia.
The Genio is powered by a 2.5-litre turbo-diesel producing a rather modest 56 kW and 220 Nm, which drives through a 5-speed manual gearbox. The Terra Home Car (PCP is the manufacturer) is 5.55 m long, 1.98 m wide and 2.775 m tall and has a gross vehicle mass of 2930 kg – about the same as a Toyota HiLux.
Inside, it has two double beds, seats five and has aircon and
heating as well as a bathroom, microwave and all the expected mod cons. Priced around A$70,000 in India, it’s aimed at well heeled locals and is also available for rent. PCP also offers a wide range of interior customisation options.
The Terra Home Car is an intriguing glimpse of what might be. To find out more click here to visit PCP’s website.
News
Slide On Campers
Trailblazers Slide On Campers are Australian designed and built for our conditions. With all the features of a luxury motorhome, a slide on can be easily removed to free up your vehicle. Touring holidays, fishing trips with the tinny behind and 4WD adventures in the outback are more fun with a versatile, manoeuvrable slide on, they even make great demountable site offices. With a range of models to choose from,
all campers are built to order to enable you to choose from a range of features and options including appliances, interior finishes and fabrics.
222 Governor RoadBraeside VIC 3195Ph: 03 9588 0077
Buy Factory Direct and SAVE
New aerodynamic shapeImproved fuel efficiency
Café dining optionQueen bed and robes L shape kitchen option Hideaway bathroom option Shower & toilet combo Full bathroom option
. Our lightweight construction suits many one tonne vehicles, including
Mazda, Landcruiser, Ford Ranger single, extra and twin cab utes and light trucks.
13
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
AdventureCalling Review and images by Richard Robertson.
If you’ve got a ringing in your ears it might be adventure calling.Here’s how to answer...
14
For a lot of people, especially those at the lower end of the age
spectrum, getting away for months on end simply isn’t an option. Yet. But weekend, mid-week and annual holiday escapes are, as is a growing desire to get away from the crowds.
Talvor’s Adventure Camper is a basic, no-frills vehicle designed primarily for the fleet of its rental arm, Apollo. It is, however, available new to private buyers and as a Talvor dealer, Albury Wodonga RV World made available a near-new, low kilometre unit for us to play with – I mean, review.
Back to Basics
The Adventure Camper is built on a Toyota HiLux 4X4 single cab-chassis,
which makes a lot of sense given the HiLux’s ‘unbreakable’ reputation and Toyota’s vast service and support network. Love ‘em or loath ‘em, there’s no better Make to be heading bush in than a Toyota...
Powered by a 3.0-litre turbo-diesel producing 126 kW and 343 Nm and driving through a 5-speed manual gearbox with part-time 4WD and a 2-speed transfer case, this HiLux is as traditional as 4WDs come. It’s completely in keeping with the Adventure Camper’s basic, non-nonsense personality and when combined with simple-
but-rugged independent front suspension and a live rear axle with hefty leaf springs, it’s likely to get you where you want to go – and home again – with minimum fuss.
The no-nonsense approach extends to the HiLux’s cab, where a single driver’s seat and two (small) person passenger bench seat take up most of the room. Dual airbags, cab airconditioning, power steering, remote central locking, electric windows and sound system with Bluetooth ‘phone integration are all included, as are audio controls on the steering wheel. There is, however, no through-cab access.
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
As its name implies the Adventure Camper is a campervan rather than a motorhome, but a spacious one at that.
Review and images by Richard Robertson.
15
Like all HiLux’s the Adventure Camper is an ergonomic and comfortable drive. The narrowish camper body, with it’s low-profile pop-top roof, makes for easy threading through tight spots and helps keep the centre of gravity low; all of which are invaluable when exploring off-road. On road, the reduced frontal height and width also make for easy open road cruising without a substantial fuel consumption penalty, although cruise control would be a worthwhile addition.
This particular vehicle is a 2010 model, although I don’t think it was registered until 2011. It only has about 3000 km on the clock and is basically brand new, and although a part of the AWRV World rental fleet it has seen very little work.
Outside the Box
Effectively a big fibreglass box, the Adventure Camper’s body is
narrower than a normal motorhome, which helps when nosing down bush tracks, and shorter in height too, thanks to its pop-top roof.
Outside, the no-nonsense theme continues with a white gelcoat finish and a number of external storage compartments, some of which have dedicated functions. On the kerb side are two compartments: one for a pair of 20 L plastic water
containers (in lieu of a fixed under-vehicle tank) and another that houses a pair of tiny 2 kg (I think) gas bottles while also having a bit of extra storage space. Also on the kerb side is a drop-down table/bench that has a small Companion-brand two-burner gas cooker attached and a cutout where a plastic bowl fits that also has a hinged lid above.
On the driver’s side are two
lower storage bins plus a small compartment for the single house battery and a larger locker that houses a pair of 20 L plastic fuel containers. Given the Toyota’s 76 L fuel tank, being able to safely and easily carry an extra 40 L provides significant extra range. Finally, there is an extra storage locker in the body, at the rear. All in all the amount of external storage on this small vehicle puts many larger ones to shame!
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
Side-mounted aircon is unusual, as is the storage locker for 2 x 20 Lfuel containers. Hatch to the left accesses the single house battery.
16
Returning to the kerb side, the little fold-down kitchen unit is a clever thing, even though you need to remove one of the small gas bottles from its compartment to attach its hose to the cooker. A small yet functional, pull-out/push-in awning provides just enough
cover to keep the sun or light rain off the outdoor kitchen, but if the weather gets too inclement there is always the indoor kitchen!
The entry door is in the rear corner on the kerb side and has a pull-out step to help with
the slightly raised body height, but before you enter you need to release the four corner roof latches so that when you step inside you can raise the roof.
Inside the Box
Raising the roof is simple and doesn’t require much effort, thankfully,
as it’s quite a decent size. You can still move around inside with the roof lowered, but most times you stop you’ll need to raise the roof.
The Adventure Camper’s internal layout is simple and quite spacious, but it’s spoiled somewhat by the rough, unfinished surface on all the internal fibreglass sections. Up front is a large partly over-
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
HiLux dash is well laid out and easy to use, but cruise control would be a worthwhile add-on.
17
cab bed, there’s a kerb side kitchen, a driver’s side dinette and a removable, automotive-style Engel chest fridge/freezer sitting on its own in the driver’s side rear corner, opposite the door as you enter. There is no bathroom or potty, which means this really is a camping vehicle, nor is there a water heater or water system of any sort for an outside shower. In fact the Adventure Camper doesn’t even have a grey water tank, so sink water drains directly onto the ground (use a bucket!), yet it does have a airconditioner...
There is only one openable window inside, above the fridge, but plenty of fresh air and light can be introduced by unzipping any or all of the five fly screened panels in the roof gusset. Strangely, there isn’t an opening panel in the gusset above the rear window. Come the night, lighting is limited to a single fitting above the kitchen bench, while swapping between mains power and the house battery is done via a switch on the front of the main dinette base unit, where you’ll also find the battery condition meter.
Cooking
Despite its rough and rugged pretensions, the Adventure
Camper’s interior furniture is of the same high quality and appearance as ‘normal’ Talvor motorhomes. The small kitchen unit, which sits
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
Narrow sides and a low roof are good for off-road exploring.
Only this side window is openable.
Under-sink water container is matched to a sink hand pump. It’s simple but effective.
18
The outdoor kitchen is novel but practical. Gas barbecue is fixed to the drop-down shelf and retracts with it into the wall.
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper 19
between the entry door and bed, has a spirit stove with a benchtop lid above it for space efficiency. The sink with a hand pump, which draws from a 40 L plastic container in the cupboard below, and which you fill either by taking outside or bringing in a hose or the exterior water containers.
There are two cupboards beneath the kitchen benchtop. The one on the left, beneath the cooker, is a general pantry-cum-storage area, while the one on the right, beneath the sink, houses the water container and has a small shelf above for cutlery and cooking implements. As previously mentioned, the fridge is an Engel unit, of the type usually found in the backs of ‘serious’ four-wheel drives. Top loading, it can also be used a freezer and it is removable, should you wish to use it in another vehicle or even at home.
Dining
The Adventure Camper has a slightly odd-shaped dinette, with the
main seating being inwards-facing down the driver’s side wall and an L-shaped return across the centre of the vehicle, facing aft. In the corner where these two meet is a box that houses a small Teco airconditioner and this has a handy piece of bench top above it that makes a convenient place for your wine cooler, condiments and other essentials while dining.
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
The simple two-burner outdoor barbecue is gas operated...
...but the indoor cooker is a marine stove that runs on methylated spirits.
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A removable swivel table is provided and we found the best and easiest way for two people to dine was to position the table so one person sat on the main section and the other sat on the centre section.
Sleeping
A massive bed (1960 mm x 1915 mm) is cunningly provided
by using a sliding base that comes out over the centre dinette seat, airconditioner and part of the kitchen work bench. It’s the full width of the vehicle and when deployed provides what is essentially a king sized bed. I spoke with one of the AWRV World staff who said he’d gone bush in the vehicle with his two boys and all three of them had slept comfortably in the giant bed. You just need to use the
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
The Engel fridge can also work as a chest freezer and is removable.
Cooker lid provides valuable extra kitchen bench space. The swivel table is a decent size for two.
21
dinette seat as a step up, or be tall to easily get into bed.
Final Thoughts
This is an interesting vehicle with a lot of potential. Think of it
as a campervan with livable inside space rather than a motorhome without a bathroom and you’re on the right track. Compared to a VW or HiAce campervan it’s got oodles of interior room and is a vehicle you could easily sit-out nasty weather without driving each other crazy. It’s also far more capable off road than a van-based camper.
It’s compact enough to easily double as a daily driver; could fit into most shopping centre car parks and single car spaces and yet would easily be at home camping on a remote beach, tackling rocky fire trails or just parking on someone’s driveway after a big night out.
The lack of through-cab access is a bit of bummer, but no real problem, and if you could add a grey water tank then it would be sufficiently self contained to allow you to free camp and leave no trace.
New, a Talvor Adventure Camper retails at $80,883 driveaway, according to Talvor’s website. This one can be yours for just $67,626 driveway (in Victoria) and with just a couple of thousand kilometres on the clock it’s a real bargain. If you’ve got a taste for adventure and a hankering for the great outdoors call Dave Murray at Albury Wodonga RV World on (02) 6024 4222, email [email protected] or go check it out at 5 Melrose Drive, Wodonga.
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
The over-cab bed extends on a simple slide and covers the sink and half the dinette.
When extended, the bed is essentially king sized. Our Duvalay singles, made into a double, were somewhat lost in the middle!
22
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper
The Talvor Adventure Camper is an interesting vehicle and this one, near new, is an excellent second hand buy.
23
Specifications
• Capable4X4• Economical• Extrafuelcapacity• Externalstorage• Ruggedbody• Goodinteriorspace• Hugebed
Pros
Cons• Nothrough-cabaccess• Nobathroom• Nogreywatertank
Manufacturer Talvor
Model Adventure Camper 4X4
Base Vehicle Toyota HiLux 4X4
Engine 3.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo-diesel
Power 126 kW @ 3600 rpm
Torque 343 Nm @ 1400 rpm
Gearbox 5-Speed manual
Brakes ABS Disc
Tare Weight 2360 kg
Gross Vehicle Mass 2800 kg
Licence Car
Approved Seating 3
External Length 5.290 m (17 ft 4 in)
External Width 2.330 m (7 ft 7in)
External Height 2.410 m (7 ft 11 in)
Internal Height n/a
Bed Size 1.960 m x 1.915 m (6 ft 5 in x 6 ft 3 in)
Cooktop 2-burner gas / 2-burner spirit
Fridge Engel chest 12/240 V
Microwave Not equipped
Lighting 12 V
Batteries 1
Gas 2 x 2.0 kg
Heater n/a
Solar Panels n/a
Air Conditioner Teco 240 V
Hot Water Heater n/a
Toilet Not equipped
Shower Not equipped
Fresh Water Tank 80-litres
Grey Water Tank Not equipped
Price $67,626 driveaway VIC
ContactAlbury Wodonga RV World
5 Melrose Drive, Wodonga. VIC. 3690. Ph: 02 6024 4222E: [email protected]: www.awrvworld.com.au
Click for Google Maps
Used Test: Talvor Adventure Camper 24
Classifieds: Snapshots
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Feature: Mercedes
Visit www.imotorhome.com.au today
iMotorhome Classifieds are for private sellers and dealers alike, and are now FREE for private sellers!
•Motorhomes and campervans only
•unlimited words
•Up to 12 photos per ad
•New slideshow feature!
•Unlimited edits and updates
•Selected ads appear in iMotorhome eMagazine
•Advertise until sold
iMotorhome mag
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because getting there is half the fun...
Show PoniesA collection of highly desirable Mercedes-based campervans from Europe and North America...
Will Mercedes’ factory conversions ever arrive Down Under? Time will tell...
27
Acollection of highly desirable Mercedes-based campervans from
Europe and North America...
At the recent Düsseldorf Caravan Salon in Germany, Mercedes Benz exhibited a number of camper conversions; both of it’s own design and from third party converters.
Showcasing the 2014 Sprinter van and its roomy, high-roofed potential for camper conversions, seemed to be the Company’s primary goal. It used a sort of half-van in the form of a Sprinter stripped
of its siding from the middle of the front passenger door to the rear axle as its main showpiece.
By cutting away the van's side, Mercedes was able to place focus entirely on the clean, white interior. The open-air cabin includes a bench seat that transforms into a double bed and a kitchen area on the other side. The front driver and passenger seats swivel around to serve as living and dining seating. The materials selection of white leather seating, high gloss white furniture finish, and gray laminate flooring was made to give the Sprinter
camper the feel of a yacht. The interior also has Alcantara trim, LED lighting and a combination bathroom/wardrobe in the rear.
Mercedes apparently revealed the revised 2014 Sprinter van earlier this year, at least to European customers. The new model receives updated exterior styling, a new 2.1-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine, 7-speed automatic transmission, upgraded interior and new available driver assistance systems such as Crosswind Assist, Collision Prevention Assist, Blind Spot Assist, Highbeam Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
Feature: Mercedes
Short wheelbase campers are the go in Europe, but would probably struggle in Australia and NZ.
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The Viano Marco Polo was built with the help of Westfalia and comes in two models.
Feature: Mercedes 29
When laid flat the split rear seat makes a decent double bed.
The Marco Polo’s rear seat is actually two electrically adjustable seats with inflatable side bolsters. Clever...
Feature: Mercedes
For conversion companies Mercedes is apparently offering the Sprinter with a camper van package that includes a passenger airbag and a folding handbrake lever designed to prevent collision with the swivel seats when the handbrake is deployed.
Smaller Fry...
The Viano Marco Polo, which Mercedes showed in two versions, was built
with the help of Westfalia Van Conversions, which had a third model on display at its own booth. Based on the middle-sized Viano model (the people mover version of the Vito van), the Marco Polo comes
30
The Viano-based campers are an interesting VW alternative.
Feature: Mercedes
standard with a pop-top roof. The driver's side includes a fully stocked kitchenette with a cooker, sink, water system, fridge and cupboards. There's additional storage space,
too, including a wardrobe. Interestingly, the Marco Polo's rear bench seat is actually two individual electrically adjusted seats that can recline and flatten down into the horizontal
position. The seats also include an electro-pneumatic side bolster system that provides better lateral support and shaping, a comfort aimed at long road trips. That would be good to see on locally produced campervans!
More Fun and Freedom...
The Mercedes’ Viano Fun comes in both five- and seven-seat
varieties. Like a number of the other van campers we saw in Düsseldorf, the Viano Fun features a rail-mounted seating system that makes the interior layout super flexible. The seats can quickly slide into different positions and be removed completely. In camper format, they're arranged around a
More basic Marco Polo model has removable table on sliding side door.
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Feature: Mercedes
fold-out table. The rear seats fold flat to create a sleeping platform, and an optional pop-up roof can serve to hold additional sleepers.
Mercedes Benz claims its vans are in big demand around the world by conversion outfitters, stating that it sends around 4000 vans a year to converters in North America alone (around 4 times the total production of all new types of motorhomes in Australia).
Another camper with a Mercedes badge was the HRZ Freedom, similar to the HRZ Sahara shown on page 54 of iMotorhome Issue 33 (21 Sep). It is the result of camper-izing a high-roofed Sprinter, and it includes all-wheel drive
and mud tires. The Freedom offers seating for three or four, a fixed rear bed, a generous amount of rear storage, a washroom with sink and toilet,
and a kitchen with 90-liter compressor fridge, double-burner stove and sink.
The off-road HRZ Freedom’s interior is compact but fully featured.
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In a market always looking for an edge the small Mercedes’ vans are an attractive alternative to current offerings.
Feature: Mercedes 33
Plains Sailings
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Set a course for Dubbo and discover a whole new world at the fabulous Taronga Western Plains Zoo...
Story and images by Richard Robertson
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I’m not a lover of city zoos. Cramped animal enclosures, bustling
crowds and screeching (human) children is a combination guaranteed to put me off. Taronga Western Plains Zoo, on the other hand, is far removed from that scenario. It’s also far removed from the Big City and is, in
fact, located about 4 km west of the smaller and far more appealing Central Western NSW rural city of Dubbo.
Planned in the late 1960s and built on a 300 ha (740 acre) site occupied by the Army during World War II, Western Plains Zoo opened to the public in late February
1977. Not only was it the first new zoo built in Australia for more than 60 years, it was also unique in primarily being a breeding centre for endangered African animals. When it opened it had just 35 different animals from 6 countries. Today, Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to more than 700 animals, including many from continents like Asia and North and South America, as well as Australia.
Because of its location, the zoo provides ideal habitat for animals native to Africa’s open savanna grasslands. Also, because of its size the designers were able to incorporate an open structure
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
A pair of bronzed Aussies? Rhino breeding is an essential part of the Zoo’s global conservation contribution.
Say, “Argh.” Keeper files teeth of patient hippo...
35
– that is, most fences are replaced by deep ditches and water features – which provides the illusion of being in the same space as the animals.
African elephants and black rhinoceros were some of the Zoo’s earliest occupants and remains some of its most popular stars. Today, creatures as diverse as otters, cheetahs, bison, meerkats, hippos, Przewalski’s horses and ring-tailed lemurs have been made right at home and the Zoo has established an international reputation for its research and breeding programs.
Something for Nothing!
We last visited the Zoo two or three years ago and
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
This male white rhino calf was born on May 14 to first-time Mum, Mopani. Zzzz...
36
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
They otter let me out of here...
37
What’s in the tub? Ring-tailed lemurs are a crowd favourite and can be enjoyed without buying full Zoo entry. Don’t miss the afternoon feeding!
were surprised by how much work has been done to the entry area and main public buildings. Previously, you had to pay at what looked like toll booths at the entry gate before you could access any of the Zoo’s facilities. But that’s all changed...
Now you drive into a car park at the rear of the much-expanded and renamed Savannah Visitors Centre and you’re free to enjoy some of the Zoo’s sights and activities without cost. These include taking coffee or a meal whilst enjoying the antics of the spider monkeys and lemurs on their little islands in the Savannah Lake; letting kids ‘go wild’ in the Safari Park Playground and, of course, picking up a few ‘zoovenirs‘ in the gift shop – but be sure to pay for them! This area is open daily (inc Xmas) from 9-4 and well worth stopping by, even if you don’t have time for a full Zoo tour.
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo 38
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
On Safari...
Due to its size the Taronga Western Plains Zoo requires
quite a bit of getting around. Central to it is a meandering six kilometre one-way drive that starts and finishes at the Savannah Visitor Plaza and takes in all the animal display areas.
There is much to see and do, including a whole list of daily feedings and talks. In addition you can book in for a whole range of activities, like the Early Morning Walks, Wild Africa Encounter, Giraffes In Focus and even the big Cat Encounter – where you get to hand feed an African lion or Sumatran tiger!
Although there is no in-zoo camping you can
stay overnight in either the upmarket Zoofari Lodge or more affordable Billabong Camp. And If you’re travelling with pets they even provide accommodation for them too!
Special tours and accommodation aside, standard admission provides a two-day pass and you can drive around the Zoo as many times as you like. The best way to see it is to work
out which feedings and talks you want to attend and then schedule them in over the two days. Leave your vehicle parked somewhere shady and take your bike (or hire one, or even an electric buggy) to explore the various areas, returning for coffee/lunch/a nap as the mood takes you. There are excellent picnic ares (and loos) scattered throughout the Zoo, as well as
Though I’d just drop by for a snack.
39
a kiosk for drinks, coffee and snacks about halfway around.
I have to say that watching a Sumatran tiger effortlessly scale a 20 ft high pole to grab a half-goat-to-go is a sight that will stay with me for ever. Ditto watching a hippo having its teeth filed and a baby white rhino suckling from its mum, then falling asleep at her feet from the effort. Priceless!
Facts and Figures
Which brings me to price. You need to remember that
this is a working breeding and research zoo and not just a money making tourist attraction. Big animals have appetites to match, while their medical expenses can be significant, too, since Medicare doesn’t cover them. At the time of writing adult admission was $46 per person for the two day pass. Seniors pay $32.50 and there are deals available for families of various sizes.
Taronga Western Plains Zoo is a remarkable attraction well worth taking the time to explore. Plan to get the most from your two day pass and you’ll not only have a great time, you’ll learn about the animals and help support the Zoo’s excellent work that’s helping to make an (animal) world of difference.
Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
What: Taronga Western Plains ZooWhere: Obley Rd, Dubbo, NSW. 2830.When: Open daily 9am - 4pm
(including Christmas Day). Cost: Adult 2-day pass: $46.
Seniors 2-day pass: $32.50 P: (02) 6881 1400 E: [email protected] W: taronga.org.au/taronga-western-plains-zoo Dubbo Information: dubbotourism.com.au
Giraffes are a real favourite and the morning feeding is a highlight.
Bison are also part of the breeding program.
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Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
This Sumatran tiger made short work of the 20 ft climb to claim a half-goat for morning tea. Impressive. . .
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Travel: Taronga Western Plains Zoo
Cuddles is an African elephant who arrived when the Zoo opened in 1977. Now the last of her type at the Zoo (African elephants aren’t endangered), Cuddles has a single tusk and is one of the most loved and visited residents.
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Travel: Travelling Newbies!
Friends of Mr and Mrs iMotorhome try motorhoming for the first time, via a rental relocation from Sydney to Adelaide...
By Dooley and Ana
TravellingNewbies!
44
I thought some readers might be interested in the misadventures of a pair of
first time motorhomers!
We were told about a website called www.imoova.com. Basically, they need people to relocate motorhomes to where they are needed. They charge a nominal rate of $1 a day and sometimes even throw in a bit of money for fuel. We decided to take a two berth motorhome from Sydney to Adelaide and they allowed us four days to get it there, so a fair bit of
driving was involved. It was a very flash Mercedes!
We learnt a lot very quickly! Like check the height of the vehicle BEFORE you get to the entrance of the M5 tunnel, as the traffic flow does not appreciate it when an RV pulls up on the side of the road. After searching all of the books and manuals supplied to no avail, we happened to look up at the top right side of the front window and voila – a little sticker saying 3.2 m height!
The next lesson also came without warning. As we had just entered the M5 tunnel the accelerator simply would not respond. Nothing. Thoughts of being on the radio as blocking a major tunnel went through our minds and then I saw a little amber light on one of the control sticks: A speed limiter. I must have pushed it at some stage when trying to reset the odometer. Turned it off and then we were back in control. Phew...
Travel: Travelling Newbies!
Hooley Dooley it’s big! Despite concern’s over the vehicle’s size Dooley quickly got the hang of the motorhoming life...
45
There was a bad smell coming from the vehicle somewhere so we deposited one of those anti-smelly things into the toilet, flushed it then tried to work out how to open the valve to let the waste water into the holding tank. After again reading all the manuals about everything from DVD players to air-conditioners we gave up. Serious consideration was given to giving Mr iMotorhome a call for advice, but the embarrassment would be everlasting, so we called the RV people and after a short wait they informed us of the little valve at the back of the toilet and another major embarrassment avoided. Don't forget to close it though!
We also found that many of the small town petrol stations
are no longer open, so make sure to keep the fuel tank full. It also stops the whining from the adjacent seat!
Passing West Wyalong the engine oil light illuminated. Oh
what fun. Pull over at the servo just in front of us and check the manuals again. It seems there is a difference to a flashing light and a steady oil light. I was very glad I had listened when the lady was showing us about
Home on the range (well, beside it), Ana prepares her first dinner in a motorhome.
Travel: Travelling Newbies! 46
the Motorhome – so I new how to open the bonnet! Oil level full, if a little dirty. Restart the car – light extinguished. I called Ana over, inflated my chest and told her I had just fixed the RV. “My hero!” At least I think that’s what she said...
We were very glad we bought sleeping bags as we free camped the first night and it got very cold. Boiling the kettle in the morning warmed up the whole area. I had been informed by a very knowledgable motorhome person to always park the vehicle ready for a quick exit, when free camping. Not sure why but we did as advised.
Up at 05:30 on day 2 for a 06:30 departure and defrosted the windscreen and ourselves
with the vehicle’s heater.
Something else we learned: Be very careful if you stop on the side of the road to take photos of emus, that you ensure the shoulder is solid enough to hold the weight of the motorhome (say no more!). When we eventually got back on the road we found a little light on the dash saying ASR with an exclamation mark. Didn’t panic, it was something to do with traction according
to our previous perusal of the manuals. We just stopped and restarted the engine. Problem solved.
Beware crossing into South Australia, it’s like crossing the border from Mexico to the US. Every vehicle is stopped. We also had an entourage of police casually surrounding the vehicle. Quarantine boarded in search of illicit fruit and vegetables. Yes, vegetables. I always thought it was just fruit.
My husband and I are not emused. Oh yes we are...
When stopping for photographs be sure the roadside can support the vehicle. Whoops.
Travel: Travelling Newbies! 47
Travel: Travelling Newbies!
After being relieved of half the contents of the fridge we were allowed to enter the state of South Australia.
The last night we stayed at the show grounds in Burra and tried to sneak out quietly, early the next morning, to explore this beautiful little town. Much to our surprise, if you leave the brakes on even just a little, this vehicle doesn't give you a quite buzzing noise or a flashing light, it honks the external horn full blast. Morning everyone!
Despite the small dramas we had a thoroughly enjoyable experience! Now we’ve had a small taste of living the motorhome life we'll be sure to be motorhoming again very soon. See you out there perhaps? We’ll be the ones by the side of the road with the lights flashing, horn going and our heads buried in the manuals. Just wave!
First night and free camping.
The historic mining town of Burra in SA was hosting a classic car weekend.
Spot the classic.
48
Travel: Travelling Newbies!
This story was scheduled to be run some months ago but somehow or
other disappeared with the odd socks from the dryer (honest). Since this first adventure
Dooley and Ana have become old hands at rental relocations and have delivered an additional three vehicles to various points across Australia. If you’ve never motorhomed, or
would just like to try a different size or style of vehicle, check out www.imoova.com and see what’s going.
Ed's Note
Now let me see if I remember some of my phonetic alphabet: A for ‘orses, F for vessence – and P for relief...
49
Feature: Bush Trakkas
Trakka puts its 4WDs through some off-road adventures...Story and images by Malcolm Street
BUSH TRAKKAS
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Feature: Bush Trakkas
Motorhomes and off-road driving aren’t necessarily
two things that go together in many people’s minds. Not that it isn’t desirable, mind you, but the cost of a purpose built off-road 4WD is often prohibitive.
However, there are some off-the-shelf price/size/ability compromises in the market, mostly in the form of VW’s T5 4Motion AWD and the larger Mercedes Benz Sprinter 4WD vans. We’ve looked at both in the pages of iMotorhome in recent months but I have to say that I have often wondered just
how capable these vehicles are both in their original form and when converted to a motorhome. Although they are called All-Wheel Drives/Four-Wheel Drives, they are not going to be in the same category as something like a Toyota LandCruiser. Factors like length, ground clearance and departure angle all have to be considered, as does passenger comfort.
Trakka has obviously been giving this some serious consideration because they manufacture both the Trakkadu All-Wheel Drive campervans and the Jabiru
4x4 motorhome and like to give their customers good advice on the abilities of each.
To this end the Trakka team arranged a couple of days at the Braidwood, NSW, property of Vic Widman. Vic runs Great Divide Tours and has established a purpose built 4WD training facility that proved to be ideal. It was easy to see how a few tricks of the trade in hard core four-wheel driving were just as applicable to campervans and motorhomes.
For this off-road experience Trakka took along its Trakkadu ORP (Off Road
Larger Sprinter-based Jabiru is more at home on open tracks, but handles dirt surfaces with ease.
51
Pak) campervan and Jabiru 4x4 motorhome, plus a Fiat Ducato-based Trakkaway 700. I’ll get to the latter shortly. Also along for the ride was dual-cab Mercedes Benz Sprinter 4WD with a tray back.
Down to Business
Given the assorted off-road conditions that have been designed
into Vic Widman’s property, it was actually quite revealing to see just how well both the VW-based Trakkadu and Benz-based Jabiru performed. Both vehicles, when driven within their limits, performed exceptionally well. Both also demonstrated their individual benefits – the Trakkadu being the shorter and lower vehicle could obviously get to a few more places, but the Jabiru
offered the twin benefits of having a greater ground clearance and a much more comfortable living space inside.
I mention being driven within the vehicle limits because that’s an important feature to be well understood. For much of this time I was standing trackside taking photos and there were a few occasions when it felt like the vehicles, particularly the Sprinter, might come toppling over. It didn’t happen, of course, but it was obvious the benefits the drivers were getting of experiencing the vehicle's handling in more extreme situations.
So how about the Fiat Ducato powered Trakkaway? Well, it
wasn’t just along for the ride, it was supplying moi with the level of accommodation to which I have become accustomed. It was also put through its paces along some of the smoother tracks and, I suspect, will be the subject of some further testing to overcome some of the myths of the much maligned front-wheel drive. In passing, I happened to mention that to another manufacturer and they showed immediate interest, so obviously it’s a relevant topic. Watch this space!
Apart from being a fun day on the 4WD training ground it was also an extremely interesting experience to see the capabilities of the respective vehicles in action.
Feature: Bush Trakkas
The VW-based Trakkadu scoots easily up a steeper-than-it-looks hill and is a great size for easy off-road exploring.
52
Trakka’s Jabiru and Trakkadu models boast a high degree of off-road ability, but whereas the Trakkadu is made for camping the Jabiru is a fully equipped motorhome.
Feature: Bush Trakkas 53
Ed's Thoughts
Like any specialised activity, off-road driving has it’s own language.
Here are a few terminologies and what they mean – in English!
• All-Wheel Drive: A vehicle that can drive all its wheels – either full time or part time – but that lacks specialised low-range gearing for slow and steep off-road driving.
• Four-Wheel Drive: As above, with the specialised low-range gearing.
• Diff Lock: Powered axles need a differential so the wheels can turn at different speeds when cornering. Unfortunately, when you lift one powered wheel off the ground (or it encounters slippery conditions like mud) all the power for that axle is sent to the freely spinning wheel – and you stop. A differential lock – or Diff Lock as they are known – locks the differential and splits the power 50/50 between both wheels, regardless of which, if any, is spinning.
Feature: Bush Trakkas
The limitations of the big Sprinter’s ground clearance, compromised by its very long wheelbase, are evident here.
The shorter Trakkadu is quite at home in the rough stuff.
54
This is great in sand and mud, or on steep, lose climbs, but only at very low speed as it makes turning corners difficult and can even damage the mechanicals. You can also have a diff lock on a drive shaft, between the front and rear axles, so that if one axle loses traction completely the other axle will keep turning.
• Ground Clearance: Obviously, the distance between the ground and the lowest part of a vehicle. However, beware of factory quoted ground clearance figures versus add-ons like steps and water tanks
fitted to a campervan or motorhome.
• Approach Angle: The angle between the ground and an imaginary line drawn from where the front tyres touch the ground and the lowest part of the front of the vehicle (ahead of the front wheels). In reality it’s a guide to how steep an incline you can approach without digging the nose in (also the same as when descending a hill and reaching the bottom)
• Ramp-Over Angle: Find the midpoint of a vehicle (between the front and rear axles) and draw
two imaginary lines; one between it and where the front wheels meet the ground and the other between the midpoint and where the rear wheels meet the ground. It’s like an upside down V and gives an indication of how big a mound or log you can drive over without getting beached like a whale. It also comes into play, for instance, when climbing up a steep creek bank, where the ground suddenly levels off (or vise versa ).
• Departure Angle: The opposite of Approach Angle, it basically measures overhang aft of the rear
Feature: Bush Trakkas
Illustrating approach, departure and ramp-over angles.
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wheels and is important to consider so you don’t scrape or hang-up the back end of the vehicle. Most 4WDs have a better approach angle than departure angle, so while they might be able to ‘attack’ a steep slope without digging the nose in, they will often scrape or even get stuck when the rear end tries to follow. Bugger...
• Wading Depth: Engines breathe air, not water. When an engine breathes water it can case what’s known as hydraulic lock, which means the cylinders fill with water and when the piston tries to compress it the engine locks-up. This bends connecting rods, can shatter pistons and even bend/break
the crankshaft. VERY expensive. Wading depth is determined by various factors; primarily how high up the air cleaner entry opening is and other essential components. A vehicle's wading depth is often no higher than the top of the front tyre, and sometimes even below this. Forget driving
heroically through deep water at speed like you see on the ads and in 4WD magazines. Check you owner’s manual, work out where on your vehicle that height is and drive appropriately.
Feature: Bush Trakkas
Wading depth (also known as fording depth) is mostly related to engine air-intake position, not the size of the vehicle.
A snorkel is handy for water crossings. This one is a tad excessive...
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>> TRAKKA’s versatile range lets you see Australia in luxury,
comfort and safety, no matter what road you care to travel.
>> Since 1973 TRAKKA’s have been tried, tested and trusted by
thousands turning the dream to see Australia into a reality.
>> The steady flow of industry awards confirm that TRAKKA is a
market leader and ahead of the pack in style, functionality and value.
>> Much of TRAKKA’s success can be attributed to extensive
research and testing programs to ensure clever design, superior
quality, modern technologies and rigorous safety standards.
>> Visit www.trakka.com or call 1800 TRAKKA
today and take advantage of the TRAKKA Teams’
decades of experience.
TRAKKADU AT JABIRU 4X4
TRAKKAWAY 700
trakkabout australia
seeing australia? take a trakka.
Cook-up: Chicken Wings BBQ
Wings Of Desire!
• 2kgchickenwings(about24)
• 1mediumtolargelemon
• Marinade(yourfavouritehomemadeorbought)
• 1/2cupcidervinegar
• 1/2cupwater
• 2tablespoonsoliveoil
• 2tablespoonsWorcestershiresauce
• 3tablespoonsChoppedchilliwithseedsremoved
• 1teaspoonsalt
• 1teaspoonblackpepperfreshlycracked
• 2choppedgarliccloves
• 1teaspoondriedoregano
You’ll need...
Looking for a delicious and easy snack for nibbles for sundowners or a summer afternoon get together? Resident cooking expert Jess Ciampa has just the thing...
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Cook-up: Chicken Wings BBQ
Preparation • Combine marinade ingredients together and mix in a small
blender or a Bullet.
• Place chicken wings in a large glass bowl (do not use metal) and pour marinade over the top. Turn to coat and refrigerate minimum 3 hours (up to 6 hours) covered with Glad Wrap.
• Preheat BBQ on high for 10 minutes and get it very hot, then put it on the lowest setting.
• Remove wings from marinade and reserve marinade.
• Place wings on hot grill (first placement will leave char grill marks on the chicken) and leave the heat on lowest setting.
• Grill until done (about 20-30 minutes), brushing with reserved marinade halfway through the cooking time.
• Get yourself some fresh thyme sprigs and tie about 6-8 together with some twine.
• Use this as your brush and that way as the thyme breaks off as you are brushing on the marinade you get a slight thyme flavour on you chicken! Fresh oregano works the same.
• When they are all cooked and still hot put on a serving platter and squeeze the lemon over the top.
Yum
Little tip on the side: You can mix everything up in a large freezer bag instead of a glass bowl. Perfect for when you are on the move.
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Next Issue
Know of a local or regional show coming up that attracts and promotes motorhomes, campervans and the great RV lifestyle in general?
Drop us a line at [email protected] and we’ll happily promote it in this calendar.
We’re bringing you a double Suncamper Sherwood 4X4 fest
next issue! The Sherwood is a small C-class motorhome and
our main test is of one built on a Toyota HiLux 4X4, which is the usual base vehicle. The second test is of a Sherwood prototype with single beds,
built on an older Mitsubishi Triton 4X4 cab-chassis. They make an interesting comparison, not only in terms of internal body layout, but also how far base vehicles have come in just a few years.
There will be more, of course, but until then why not follow us on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news, comments and a laugh or three? See you on Saturday November 2nd!
SUNCAMPER FEST...
October 25-27
SA Boat, Fishing & 4WD Adventure Show
Adelaide Showground, SA.• Open 9:00-6:00 daily
(5:00 Sunday)• Parking free• Adults: $15• Seniors: $12• Kids: U16 free with adult
Click for Google Maps
http://www.saboatshow.com.au/visitors/info.phtml
31-3OCT/NOV
25-27OCT
18-20OCT
Click for Google Maps
October 18-20
Sunshine Coast Home & Caravan Show
Stockland Park, Kawana, Sunshine Coast, QLD.• Open 9:00-5:00 daily
(4:00 Sunday)• Parking: $5• Adults: $10• Seniors: $8• Kids: Free with Adult
31-3OCT/NOV
25-27OCT
18-20OCT
http://www.australianevents.com.au/index.php/sunshine-coast-home-show-and-caravan-
camping-and-boating-expo
October 31 to November 3
Pre-Christmas Caravan & Camping Sale
RNA Showgrounds, Gregory Terrace, Bowen Hills. Brisbane. QLD • Open 10:00-5:00 daily• Parking: $12• Adults: Free• Seniors: Free• Kids: Free
Click for Google Maps
http://www.caravanqld.com.au/showsevents/pre-christmas-caravan-and-camping-sale.aspx
31-3OCT/NOV
25-27OCT
18-20OCT
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